§ Mr. HOUSTONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of dis- 409 turbance and rioting at Canton, resulting in the loss of many lives; whether he is aware that German and American warships have already proceeded there to protect German and American subjects and interests; if he will state the British warship or warships at Canton and the name or names, tonnage, speed, and armaments thereof; and, if not at Canton, what British warships there are in Chinese waters; where they are at present; what are their tonnage, speed, and armaments; and whether they are all in a thoroughly efficient condition?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe river gunboats "Moorhen" and "Robin" have been at Canton since the 28th April. The destroyer "Handy" and the gunboats "Bramble" and "Britomart" are held in readiness at Hong Kong. The Commander-in-Chief, in telegraphing to-day, states that the situation is not serious, the outbreak during the night of the 27th April having been crushed before the news of it was received, and that His Majesty's Consul-General considers further protection is not required. According to our information, the German gunboat "Iltis" and the United States sloop "Wilmington" left Hong Kong on the 1st May for Canton.
§ Mr. HOUSTONArising out of that, which is exceedingly satisfactory, may I express regret that the Admiralty was not equally successful recently in connection with another matter?
§ Mr. McKENNAI do not admit that.